Startup Moldova Summit 2025 will bring to the forefront discussions about innovation and investment
Moldovans who have a business idea or are already running a startup with potential, now have the chance to learn directly from experts how to develop it and attract top investments. On 16 April in Chisinau, more than 40 international and local investors will be on hand to discover promising startups or products at the Moldova Startup Summit 2025.
Speakers from Netflix, Booking or Atomico will share the secrets of global growth and provide valuable insights on how a startup can get to the next level. Attendees will learn what investors are looking for, how to build their growth strategy and what it takes to get $1 million in funding or… more. It’s a unique chance for business to learn, build valuable connections and turn local business into international success.
Start-ups compete for global finals in Silicon Valley
This year’s edition of Startup Moldova Summit brings the Startup World Cup Moldova competition to the forefront, giving the winning startup the chance to compete in the global finals in San Francisco for a $1 million prize. On the big stage, the best selected startups will showcase their innovative ideas, while the audience will have the opportunity to watch inspiring pitches, make connections and participate in networking sessions. Last year, the competition attracted over 400 participants, 15 investors on the jury and 14 startups selected from over 40 applications, with Nodeshift and Langly representing Moldova on the international stage.
Agenda Startup Moldova Summit 2025: Masterclasses, Investments and Networking with Global Leaders
Startup Moldova Summit 2025 will bring to the forefront important discussions about innovation, investment and development of startups. The event will bring together founder
TravelTech, and startup ecosystem development. Invited speakers include high-ranking officials, leaders from renowned companies such as Booking, Netflix, Atomico, Horizon Capital, Catalyst Romania, as well as founders of home-grown startups such as Bloomcoding and Parkopedia, entrepreneurs, who will share successful strategies and valuable lessons. The summit also offers networking opportunities, hands-on workshops and presentations from local startups, connecting entrepreneurs with partners and investors. At the summit, for the first time, a “Reverse Pitching” session will be organized, which will allow attendees to understand investors’ expectations and refine their pitch to attract future funding.
About the startup ecosystem in Moldova
Moldova has entered a new stage of economic development with the start of EU accession negotiations, benefiting from major investment through the €1.9 billion EU-funded Growth Plan. The plan includes support for innovation, digitization and the development of start-ups, aiming to accelerate economic transformation and attract foreign capital. In a dedicated panel, the summit will provide a framework for discussion on funding opportunities for startups and innovative industries, support mechanisms for technological development, priority areas for investment, and the long-term impact of these initiatives on the Moldovan economy.
In this context, until September 2028, the EU4Innovation East regional project will play a key role in strengthening the startup and innovation ecosystem in Moldova. Through robust funding mechanisms, supporting incubators and accelerators, increasing the visibility of startups internationally and creating strategic connections with the European innovation ecosystem, the initiative will generate tangible opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators. This approach will support the integration of Moldova into the global ecosystem of technology innovation hubs and foster sustainable and competitive economic growth.
And with the signing of the Association Agreement for the Digital Europe Programme, our country joins the programme, benefiting from expanded funding opportunities for digitization. This initiative of the European Union supports entrepreneurs, start-ups, local governments, the voluntary sector and citizens, giving them access to innovative resources and technologies. In this sense, Moldovan startups will be able to access European funds for technological development, acceleration and internationalization. Businesses, municipalities, NGOs and central institutions will also have the opportunity to implement advanced digital solutions. The total budget of the program is EUR 7.5 billion, available for all participating countries until 2027.
In recent years, startups in Moldova have made significant progress, contributing considerably to the development of the sector through their innovative programs and the positive impact they have on the local economy. As the country consolidates its position in the top 100 startup ecosystems globally, the Startup Moldova Summit has become an essential platform for collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange. In 2024, Moldovan startups raised record funding of $7.9 million, double the amount attracted in 2023.
Co-organisers:
Startup Moldova Summit is organized with the financial support of the EU4Innovation East project, funded by the European Union, co-funded by the Government of France and implemented by Expertise France, as well as with the financial support of Sweden, UMAEF and the Government of Switzerland and Helvetas, through the OPTIM project.
Partners: Inotek, Evolve4GE, UN Women, BeSweet, Pitching Masterclass.
